Wayne-Sanderson Farms acquires Harrison Poultry in strategic expansion

USA – Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest poultry producer in the U.S., has acquired Georgia-based Harrison Poultry, marking a significant milestone in its strategic growth initiative. 

The transaction, effective immediately, transfers all of Harrison Poultry’s assets—including live production, hatcheries, feed mills, and processing facilities—to Wayne-Sanderson Farms. Integrated operations begin at once, with minimal disruption anticipated to day-to-day activities.

“We are proud to welcome the Harrison Poultry team into the Wayne-Sanderson Farms family,” said Kevin McDaniel, President and CEO of Wayne-Sanderson Farms. 

“We are well matched. Wayne-Sanderson Farms is known for quality people, quality farm partners and quality products, and so is Harrison Poultry. We expect the transition to be practically seamless.”

The acquisition brings into Wayne-Sanderson’s fold the “Golden Goodness” product line, Harrison’s signature portfolio of traditional, international, and halal poultry offerings, and extends its operations in Georgia’s Bethlehem and Crawfordville areas.

Founded in 1958 by R. Harold Harrison, Harrison Poultry has remained a family-owned company deeply invested in the rural Georgia economy. 

Mr. Harrison was a pioneer of integrated poultry management and expanded the business steadily until his death. The company has continued that growth under the stewardship of his family.

“On behalf of the family of Mr. Harrison, I want to thank everyone involved in making Harrison Poultry the successful company that it is today,” said Jim Skidmore, President and CEO of Harrison Poultry. 

“Our primary focus with this transaction from the start has been making sure this was right for our people, our farmers, and our customers. With Wayne-Sanderson Farms, we found the right partner to build on the legacy that Mr. Harrison left.”

Private deal, public impact

The acquisition was finalised as a private transaction. Financial details remain undisclosed. The decision follows a detailed evaluation by Wayne-Sanderson Farms leadership to ensure operational and cultural alignment between the two organisations.

BofA Securities acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Wayne-Sanderson Farms, with legal counsel from BakerHostetler and antitrust counsel from Proskauer Rose. Stephens and Eversheds Sutherland advised Harrison Poultry.

Major feed mill commissioned in Arkansas

Separately, Wayne-Sanderson Farms also recently unveiled a new US$43 million feed mill at its Danville Complex in Arkansas. The high-tech facility was officially inaugurated on July 9, 2025, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by employees, executives, and state and local officials.

Equipped to produce more than 8,500 tons of poultry feed weekly, the new plant will support 130 local farm partners. It features advanced automation, dedicated grain receiving systems capable of unloading 26,500 bushels of corn or soybeans per hour, and expanded ingredient and warehouse storage.

Designed exclusively for truck delivery, the mill aims to streamline operations and improve inventory management while delivering tailored nutrition for poultry at all growth stages.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.